4 Realities to Help You Through Miscarriage
Miscarriage is not an easy loss to explain, comfort, understand, or answer adequately. As we step into this fragile subject, we at Alpha Life want you to know that you don’t have to mourn alone: whatever stage you have experienced infant loss, we want to provide some information to help you as you grieve. Please reach out to us for more resources, for counsel, and for various support if you have suffered from the experience of a miscarriage. We also offer grief support for those who have had an abortion, or call us for an appointment. We are here to walk with you through whatever suffering you are walking through.
Miscarriage, often shrouded in misconceptions, prompts many questions among individuals planning or experiencing pregnancy. Understanding this topic is crucial, not just for yourself, but also to provide support to others going through similar situations. Here are four realities about miscarriage that everyone should know.
It’s a Common Occurrence
Miscarriage is a common loss, impacting 10% to 20% of known pregnancies. This rate may in actuality be higher, considering that many miscarriages occur in the early stages, often before the pregnancy is even recognized. Typically, miscarriages happen within the first 13 weeks of gestation. Some cases beyond this timeframe are considered stillbirths, but this is a rarer occurrence during pregnancy.
What Contributes to Miscarriage
Several different factors can contribute to the likelihood of a miscarriage. These vary from maternal age and health conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid disorders, genetic deviations in the embryo, and PCOS, to various autoimmune disorders, drug use during pregnancy, and certain infections - to name some. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use also play a role in the risks around miscarriage. However, genetic abnormalities in the embryo or fetus are the most common causes of early miscarriages, often involving chromosomal irregularities.
Differentiation from Abortion
It's crucial to understand the distinction between miscarriage and abortion. Miscarriage is a natural process in which the body spontaneously terminates a pregnancy. Abortion involves the deliberate termination of a pregnancy through medical or surgical intervention. Legally, miscarriage cases cannot be prosecuted, even in regions where abortion is restricted, as they are natural occurrences beyond human control. It is important during your grieving process to understand that miscarriage is a loss that you did not cause.
Physical and Emotional Effects
Following a miscarriage, you may experience a range of physical and emotional side effects. Physical symptoms include vaginal bleeding, abdominal cramping, fatigue, hormonal changes, and the passing of fetal tissue. Emotionally, feelings of grief, sadness, anxiety, anger, and isolation might arise. The wide range of emotions you are experiencing can also put strains on your relationships. Seeking emotional support from loved ones and professionals, alongside proper physical recovery and healthcare follow-ups, can help you as you recover from the loss of miscarriage.
Miscarriage Support
Understanding the difficulties and realities of miscarriage is crucial for individuals and communities, offering vital support and empathy for those experiencing such loss. For more information or assistance with concerns about pregnancy or potential miscarriage, reach out to Alpha Life Pregnancy Center at 910-565-2031. Our team is ready to provide the necessary support and guidance through this challenging time.
